The Tri-Island Tour is Siargao's quintessential island-hopping experience - a rite of passage for every visitor to the island. In one sun-soaked day, you'll explore three completely different islands: Naked Island (a tiny sandbar in the middle of the ocean), Daku Island (the largest, with white-sand beaches and local eateries), and Guyam Island (a palm-fringed paradise perfect for photos). Whether you're chasing Instagram shots, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, or simply soaking up island life, this tour delivers everything you imagine when you think "tropical Philippines." Here's your complete guide to experiencing the Tri-Island Tour from Del Carmen.
Interactive Map: The iconic Tri-Island Tour - Naked, Daku, and Guyam Islands
Quick Facts
- Islands Included: Naked Island (sandbar), Daku Island (largest), Guyam Island (most photogenic)
- Jump-off Point: General Luna (exclusive primary jump-off point)
- Travel Time from Del Carmen: 45-60 minutes to General Luna, then 30-40 min boat ride
- Tour Duration: 4-6 hours (half day)
- Best For: Beach lovers, snorkelers, photographers, families, groups
- Cost: ₱1,500 per person standard (shared group tour) | ₱3,000-₱4,000 (private boat for up to 10 people)
- Mandatory LGU Fee: ₱100 per person (₱80 for seniors/PWD, free for children 10 & below)
- What's Included: Boat rental, life jackets; entrance fees often separate
- Operating Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (most tours return by 4-5 PM)
- Best Tide: Visit Naked Island and Guyam during HIGH tide for best swimming and aesthetics
- Best Months: March-October (dry season, calm seas)
The Three Islands: What to Expect
1. Naked Island (Pansukian Island)
What It Is:
A pristine white sandbar with literally nothing on it - no trees, no buildings, no shade. Just pure sand surrounded by turquoise water in every direction.
Why It's Special:
- 360° Ocean Views: Stand in the middle and see nothing but sea and sky
- Sandbar Magic: The shape and size change with the tides
- Photo Paradise: Minimalist, endless white sand creates stunning shots
- Shallow Waters: Perfect for wading and playing in the surf
What to Do:
- Walk the entire sandbar (takes 5-10 minutes)
- Take panoramic photos
- Wade in the shallow turquoise water
- Build sandcastles or write messages in the sand
- Simply relax and soak in the serenity
Warning: ZERO shade on Naked Island. Bring umbrella, hat, or portable shade tent. Apply reef-safe sunscreen before arrival and bring water bottles (no facilities).
Time Spent: 30-45 minutes
Image courtesy of Airial Travel
2. Daku Island
What It Is:
The largest of the three islands, Daku (meaning "big" in Visayan) features a long stretch of white-sand beach, coconut palm groves, and several family-run eateries.
Why It's Special:
- Local Island Life: Interact with friendly locals who live here year-round
- Fresh Seafood: Beachside restaurants serve grilled fish, kinilaw (ceviche), chicken, and tropical fruits
- Swimming & Snorkeling: Clear water with some coral and fish near rocky areas
- Shade & Facilities: Palm trees for shade, basic restrooms, picnic tables
What to Do:
- Enjoy a beachside lunch (₱200-400 per person for seafood meals)
- Swim in calm, clear waters
- Snorkel near the rocky edges (bring your own gear)
- Explore the island's interior trails
- Buy fresh coconuts (₱30-50) or tropical fruits from vendors
Tip: Most tours schedule 1.5-2 hours here for lunch. Cash only - no ATMs or card payments. Try the kinilaw (raw fish ceviche) or grilled squid!
Time Spent: 1.5-2 hours (including lunch)
Image courtesy of Vacation Hive
3. Guyam Island
What It Is:
A postcard-perfect tiny island with swaying coconut palms, powdery white sand, and vivid turquoise waters. It's the most photogenic of the three islands.
Why It's Special:
- Tiny & Tropical: Small enough to walk around in 10 minutes
- Iconic Palm Trees: Classic "desert island" vibe
- Snorkeling Spot: Clear water with fish and small coral patches
- Less Crowded: Smaller than Daku, more intimate feel
What to Do:
- Take classic tropical island photos under the palms
- Snorkel around the island's edges (good fish diversity)
- Swim in crystal-clear water
- Relax in beach huts or hammocks (₱50-100 rental)
- Buy fresh coconuts or snacks from small vendors
Best Photos: Early afternoon light (2-3 PM). Use palm trees as foreground frames!
Time Spent: 45 minutes - 1 hour
Image courtesy of KKDay
Typical Tour Itinerary
8:30 AM - Pickup from Del Carmen
Van transport to General Luna (45-60 min drive). Note: General Luna is the exclusive jump-off point for the Tri-Island Tour.
9:30 AM - Arrive at General Luna Tourist Boat Station
Pay mandatory ₱100 LGU Tourism Fee at registration area (₱80 seniors/PWD, free children 10 & below). Meet your boat crew, receive life jackets, load onto outrigger boat.
10:00 AM - Depart for Naked Island
30-40 minute scenic boat ride. Enjoy ocean breeze and views of Siargao's coastline.
10:30 AM - Naked Island (Stop 1)
Explore the sandbar, take photos, wade in the shallows.
Duration: 30-45 min
11:30 AM - Daku Island (Stop 2)
Swim, snorkel, and enjoy a beachside lunch. Most tours allocate
1.5-2 hours here.
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
1:30 PM - Guyam Island (Stop 3)
Snorkel, relax under the palms, take final photos.
Duration: 45 min - 1 hour
2:30 PM - Return to General Luna
Boat back to the mainland.
3:30 PM - Return to Del Carmen
Van transport back to your resort. Arrive around 4:00-4:30 PM.
What to Bring
Essentials:
- ☑️ Swimwear (quick-dry)
- ☑️ Reef-safe sunscreen (reapply often!)
- ☑️ Waterproof phone case or dry bag
- ☑️ Towel (boats don't provide)
- ☑️ Cash (₱2,000-3,000 for lunch, snacks, tips, rentals)
- ☑️ Reusable water bottle (stay hydrated)
- ☑️ Hat/cap and sunglasses
Optional but Recommended:
- 📷 Waterproof action camera (GoPro)
- 🥽 Snorkel gear (if you have your own)
- 🏖️ Portable beach mat or sarong
- 🍫 Snacks (for the boat ride)
- 💊 Seasickness medicine (if prone to motion sickness)
Tips for the Best Experience
🌊 Book During Dry Season (March-October)
Calm seas, sunny weather, and better visibility for snorkeling. November-February can have rough waters and rain.
📅 Weekdays > Weekends
The Tri-Island Tour is VERY popular. Weekends and holidays = crowded islands. Book weekday tours for a more peaceful experience.
🛥️ Private Boat vs. Group Tour
- Group Tour (Joiner): ₱1,500/person standard (all-inclusive with lunch, boat, some entry fees)
- Private Boat: ₱3,000-4,000 total for boat only (up to 10 pax), flexibility, go at your own pace
- Note: LGU Tourism Fee (₱100/person) often not included in base boat rental price
📸 Photography Tips
- Naked Island: Shoot wide-angle, capture the sandbar from above (drone shots are epic)
- Daku Island: Golden hour (late afternoon) for warm beach tones
- Guyam Island: Use palm trees as foreground frames
🐠 Snorkeling Spots
- Naked Island: Minimal marine life (sandy bottom)
- Daku Island: Rocky edges have small fish and coral
- Guyam Island: BEST snorkeling - vibrant fish near the island's perimeter
🌴 Respect Island Rules
- Don't litter (bring trash back to the boat)
- Don't step on coral when snorkeling
- Support local vendors (buy coconuts, rent hammocks)
📍 Your Island Hopping Base Camp
Planning the Tri-Island Tour? Mariden Resort in Del Carmen offers the perfect balance of convenience and value:
- 30 minutes to General Luna — Easy day trips to island tours
- Also close to north attractions — Sugba Lagoon, Sohoton, Magpupungko
- Affordable rooms with pool — Rest and recharge after island hopping
- Local tour bookings — We'll connect you with trusted operators
- Airport pickup available — Seamless arrival to start your adventure
Frequently Asked Questions
Shared group (joiner) tours cost ₱1,500 per person standard (including boat, lunch, and some entry fees). Private boat rentals cost ₱3,000-₱4,000 for up to 10 people (boat and guide only). Additionally, there's a mandatory ₱100 LGU Tourism Fee per person (₱80 seniors/PWD). Budget ₱200-400 extra for food on Daku Island if not included in your package.
Yes! Tours depart exclusively from General Luna (45-60 min from Del Carmen). Book through Del Carmen operators or your resort for convenient transport. Mariden Resort can help arrange tours with trusted providers.
Absolutely! The calm waters, shallow areas, and beach activities make it family-friendly. Kids love Naked Island's sandbar and Guyam's snorkeling. Bring life jackets, reef-safe sunscreen, and plenty of water.
Most tours depart 9:00-10:00 AM and return by 3:00-4:00 PM. This avoids the hottest midday sun and catches good lighting for photos. Avoid late afternoon departures (rougher seas, less time per island).
Yes, but quality varies. Guyam Island has the best snorkeling with colorful fish and small coral formations. Daku Island has decent snorkeling near rocky areas. Naked Island has minimal marine life (sandy bottom).
Tours are canceled or rescheduled during storms, strong winds, or rough seas. Operators prioritize safety. Book during dry season (March-October) for the best conditions. Always check weather forecasts.
Related Guides
More Siargao Adventures:
- Sugba Lagoon Guide - Del Carmen's turquoise gem
- Sohoton Cove Guide - Mystical caves and lagoons
- Magpupungko Rock Pools - East coast tidal pools
- Secret Beach Malinao - Hidden gem near General Luna
Planning Your Stay:
- Sample Itineraries - Day-by-day trip plans
- Budget Guide - Complete cost breakdowns
- Transportation Guide - Getting around Siargao
- Best Time to Visit - Weather and seasonal planning
- Del Carmen vs General Luna - Where to base yourself
- Siargao Airport Guide - Getting to and from Siargao